Eber (Hebrew: ‘Ēḇer) is a foundational figure in the biblical genealogies, specifically within the “Table of Nations” and the lineage leading to the Messiah. His name carries the significant meaning of “the region beyond” or “to pass over.” He is most notably recognized as the great-grandson of Shem and the ancestor from whom the term Hebrew is widely believed to be derived.
1. The Lineage of Shem
Eber was the son of Salah and the father of two sons, Peleg and Joktan. His life spanned a pivotal era of post-flood history, and he lived to the age of 464 years, making him one of the longest-lived individuals born after the Flood.
- The Scriptural Record: > “And Salah lived thirty years, and begat Eber: And Salah lived after he begat Eber four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters. And Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg:” (Genesis 11:14-16, KJV)
- A Father of Many: In the genealogical summary of Shem’s descendants, the scripture highlights Eber’s importance by identifying Shem as the “father of all the children of Eber.””Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were children born.” (Genesis 10:21, KJV)
2. The Division of the Earth
The birth of Eber’s son, Peleg, marked a massive historical shift. The Bible records that during his days “was the earth divided,” a reference many theologians associate with the linguistic and geographical dispersal following the Tower of Babel.
- The Prophetic Naming: > “And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.” (Genesis 10:25, KJV)
3. The Origin of the “Hebrews”
The term Hebrew (‘Iḇrî) is linguistically tied to the name Eber. While Abraham is the first person explicitly called “the Hebrew” (Genesis 14:13, KJV), he is a direct descendant of Eber. This connection suggests that the “Hebrews” were originally those who belonged to the house of Eber or, more broadly, those who “passed over” (likely referring to the crossing of the Euphrates River into Canaan).
Historical & Messianic Significance
Eber occupies a critical position in the Defence of the Truth. He serves as the bridge between the immediate post-flood world and the call of Abraham. In the New Testament, Eber is firmly established in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, ensuring that the legal and biological line of the Messiah is tracked with absolute precision from the beginning of time.
- The Messianic Link: > “Which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,” (Luke 3:35, KJV) — Note: “Heber” is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew “Eber” used in the New Testament.
Eber’s life reminds the student of Scripture that God preserves a specific godly line through the midst of global upheaval and pagan rebellion (such as the events at Babel).